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Find low rental car prices at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Pick up your vehicle a short walk from baggage claim and be on NY-33 toward downtown Buffalo or I-90 to Niagara Falls in minutes. We scan offers from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and other on-site brands so you can book the right Buffalo Airport car rental fast.
The rental car facility at Buffalo Niagara International Airport is conveniently located just across from the terminal building, making it one of the most accessible airport rental centers in the northeast.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Directly across from the main terminal building, connected by a covered walkway |
| Access | Short walk from baggage claim (around 2-3 minutes) |
| Hours | Most companies operate from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until after the last scheduled arrival (around 1:00 AM) |
| Available Companies | Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty |
| Facility Type | Consolidated rental center including counters and adjacent parking garage |
On average, car rentals at Buffalo Airport cost around $56 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.
Compare pickup spots and times: BUF airport is super convenient but sometimes a downtown Buffalo branch is cheaper, especially mid-week. Toggle locations and pickup hours on the site to see instant price swings.
Peak-season rule of thumb: For summer, fall foliage weekends and Bills/Sabres game days, booking 2-3 weeks ahead usually locks in lower rates before inventory tightens. Off-season? Last-minute deals pop up, so re-check prices.
Play with rental length: A 5-7-day "weekly" rate can cost 30-40 % less than five separate daily rates. Even if you return the car early, the weekly price may still win.
Skip the prepaid fuel: Fill up at the Mobil or Sunoco on Genesee St (2 miles from the garage) and avoid the hefty refueling surcharge.
BYO toll plan: If you only expect a couple of I-90 or Grand Island bridge tolls, pay online within 48 hours and dodge the rental company's $4-7/day transponder fee. Heavy tolling planned? Then the device can be worth it.
Free extra driver perk: New York law makes a spouse or domestic partner a free additional driver, so don't pay for a second name if that's who's sharing the wheel.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Location | Same garage as pickup, follow "Rental Car Return" signs |
| Process | Drive into the designated company area where an attendant will process your return or use the key drop after hours |
| Gas Stations Near Airport | • Mobil and Sunoco on Genesee St (1-2 miles from airport) • Several options on Walden Ave • Fill up before returning to avoid higher refueling charges |
| Shuttle Requirements | None - the rental facility is within walking distance of the terminal |
In Canada, speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (100 km/h ≈ 62 mph)
New York State Thruway (I-90): Cashless tolling system
Options for handling tolls:
Book a rental car to easily:
Downtown Buffalo – Canalside, waterfront, KeyBank Center
Niagara Falls, NY – State Park, observation decks, boat tours
Niagara Falls, ON – Clifton Hill, Horseshoe Falls, Skylon Tower
Walden Galleria Mall – retail outlets, restaurants
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at Buffalo Airport? You can usually expect to spend 15-30 minutes from the time you get off the plane to when you drive away. This includes walking to the rental center, filling out paperwork and inspecting the car. When it's busy, like after several flights land at once, the whole thing might take 45-60 minutes. If you use an express rental program, you can get through much faster.
Do I need to inform the rental company if I plan to drive to Canada? Yes, you should tell the rental company you plan to drive to Canada. Most major rental companies at BUF will let you take their cars across the border for free, but they need to note this in your rental agreement. Some companies may give you a Canadian insurance card to keep in the glove compartment.
What documents do I need for crossing the border with a rental car? Everyone in the car will need a valid passport (or an enhanced driver's license, U.S. passport card or NEXUS card). You'll also need the rental agreement to show you have permission to drive the car. If you're visiting from another country and your license isn't in English, you may also need an International Driving Permit along with your foreign license.
Are there any restrictions on where I can drive a rental car from Buffalo Airport? Most rental companies let you drive all over New York State and into nearby states and Canadian provinces. However, some companies won't let you drive in certain areas or on unpaved roads. They also don't allow off-road driving. You can take most rental cars from BUF to Canada, but companies rarely allow one-way rentals that end in Canada. If they do, it's very expensive.
What's the best time to rent a car to avoid airport crowds? To spend less time waiting, try to avoid picking up your car on Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings or after 11 AM on Saturdays during the summer. You'll usually find the shortest lines early in the morning (before 9 AM) and mid-day on weekdays. If you arrive late at night, the lines might be shorter, but fewer people will be working, so you may not save any time.
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